Ever wondered what it's like to spend your days climbing on roofs, talking with homeowners, and being the detective who spots problems before they become disasters? Meet Mike Chen, one of our senior inspectors here at Best Roofing Now, who's been keeping Charlotte roofs in check for over eight years.
"People think we just climb up, take a quick look, and come down," Mike says with a laugh. "But there's so much more to it than that. Every roof tells a story, and it's my job to read it correctly."
Let's follow Mike through a typical Tuesday in Charlotte and see what really goes into a thorough roof inspection.
6:30 AM – The Day Begins
Mike's day starts before most people hit snooze for the second time. He's at our Best Roofing Now office by 6:30 AM, reviewing his schedule over coffee that's strong enough to wake the dead. Today's lineup includes four inspections across Charlotte: a storm damage assessment in Myers Park, a pre-purchase inspection in Dilworth, a routine maintenance check in South End, and a hail damage evaluation in NoDa.
"Weather's looking good today," Mike notes, checking his phone. "That's always a relief. There's nothing worse than trying to do a thorough inspection in the rain or when it's slippery up there."
7:15 AM – Gear Check and Safety Prep
Before heading out, Mike goes through his daily safety ritual. His truck is loaded with everything from high-tech moisture meters to old-school chalk for marking problem areas. But safety equipment comes first โ harnesses, non-slip boots, hard hat, safety glasses, and a first aid kit.
"Safety isn't negotiable," Mike emphasizes. "I've got a family to go home to, and our clients trust us to be professional. That means following every safety protocol, every single time."
His toolbox includes a thermal imaging camera (his personal favorite gadget), a tablet for digital reporting, measuring tape, binoculars for initial ground-level assessment, and a drone for hard-to-reach areas on larger commercial properties.
8:00 AM – Stop #1: Storm Damage Assessment in Myers Park
Mike's first call is to the Henderson family, whose beautiful 1920s Tudor home took a beating in last week's thunderstorm. Mrs. Henderson meets him at the door, clearly anxious about what he might find.
"I always start by listening to the homeowner," Mike explains. "They know their house better than anyone. Mrs. Henderson heard some unusual sounds during the storm and noticed a few shingles in her yard the next morning."
After a brief chat and some reassuring words, Mike starts his inspection from the ground up. He walks the perimeter of the house, looking for obvious damage, checking gutters for granule buildup (a telltale sign of shingle damage), and noting any visible issues.
8:30 AM – Up on the Roof
Once Mike's satisfied with his ground-level assessment, it's time to get up close and personal. He sets up his ladder (always maintaining three points of contact), and begins his methodical roof-level inspection.
"I've got a system," he says, adjusting his safety harness. "I work in sections, checking every shingle, every flashing, every penetration. The thermal camera helps me spot moisture issues that aren't visible to the naked eye."
On the Henderson roof, Mike finds several loose shingles, minor flashing damage around the chimney, and signs of impact damage from hail that likely occurred months ago. He uses his tablet to document everything with photos and detailed notes.
"The key is being thorough but also honest," Mike notes as he marks a problematic area with chalk. "I'm not here to sell unnecessary work. If something can wait, I'll tell you. If it needs immediate attention, I'll explain why."
10:00 AM – The Report and Honest Conversation
Back on the ground, Mike sits with Mrs. Henderson to review his findings. Using his tablet, he shows her photos and explains each issue in plain English โ no confusing technical jargon.
"The storm damage is real, but it's not catastrophic," he tells her. "You've got some immediate needs around the chimney flashing, and I'd recommend addressing the loose shingles before the next big storm. The older hail damage isn't urgent, but it's something to keep an eye on."
Mrs. Henderson visibly relaxes. "I was so worried it was going to be one of those situations where someone tries to sell me a whole new roof."
"That's not how we operate at Best Roofing Now," Mike responds. "Our reputation depends on being straight with people. If you need a full replacement, I'll tell you. If you need targeted repairs, that's what I'll recommend."
11:30 AM – Stop #2: Pre-Purchase Inspection in Dilworth
Mike's second appointment is with the Johnsons, a young couple buying their first home. They're nervous โ this is the biggest purchase of their lives, and they want to make sure they're not walking into a money pit.
"Pre-purchase inspections are some of my favorites," Mike admits as he unloads his equipment. "I love being able to give first-time buyers peace of mind, or helping them avoid a costly mistake."
This 1960s ranch house looks well-maintained from the ground, but Mike knows appearances can be deceiving. His systematic inspection reveals generally good condition but identifies several maintenance items that should be addressed within the next few years.
12:45 PM – Lunch Break and Tech Updates
Mike grabs lunch at a local Charlotte spot, but this isn't just a break. He's uploading his morning reports to Best Roofing Now's system, updating customer files, and preparing detailed reports that will be emailed to clients by end of day.
"Technology has completely changed this job," Mike explains between bites of his sandwich. "Ten years ago, everything was handwritten notes and film cameras. Now I can give clients a comprehensive digital report with thermal images, detailed photos, and clear recommendations within hours."
The thermal imaging camera has been a game-changer for detecting moisture intrusion and insulation issues that aren't visible to the naked eye. "It's like having X-ray vision," he jokes.
1:30 PM – Stop #3: Routine Maintenance Check in South End
Not every inspection is driven by problems or purchases. Mike's third stop is a routine annual inspection for the Martinezes, who've been Best Roofing Now clients for five years.
"Regular maintenance inspections are probably the most valuable service we provide," Mike says. "Catching small problems before they become big problems saves homeowners thousands of dollars."
The Martinez roof is in excellent condition โ a testament to regular maintenance and quality initial installation. Mike finds minor issues: a few loose nails, some caulk that needs refreshing, and recommends cleaning the gutters.
"This is what we like to see," he tells Mr. Martinez. "Your roof is aging gracefully because you've taken care of it."
3:00 PM – Stop #4: Hail Damage Evaluation in NoDa
Mike's final stop is the most complex of the day. The Patels experienced significant hail damage during a severe storm two months ago and need documentation for their insurance claim.
"Hail damage evaluation requires a different skill set," Mike explains as he examines impact marks on the shingles. "I need to distinguish between storm damage, normal wear, and pre-existing issues. Insurance adjusters rely on accurate documentation."
Using his measuring tools and camera, Mike documents the size and pattern of hail impacts, checks for exposed mat, and evaluates the overall integrity of the roofing system. He also examines gutters, siding, and other exterior elements that might have been damaged.
4:30 PM – Detailed Documentation
Back at his truck, Mike spends time creating a comprehensive report for the Patels' insurance claim. This includes detailed photos, measurements, professional opinions about the extent of damage, and recommendations for repairs or replacement.
"Insurance work requires extra precision," he notes. "I need to provide clear evidence that supports the homeowner's claim while being completely honest about what I find."
5:00 PM – Back to the Office
Mike's day isn't over when he leaves his last job site. Back at the Best Roofing Now office, he finalizes reports, uploads photos, and coordinates with the office team to ensure clients receive their detailed assessments quickly.
"Communication is huge in this business," he says while organizing his notes. "People are anxious about their roofs โ it's their biggest investment. Getting them clear, honest information quickly helps them make informed decisions."
He also reviews tomorrow's schedule, checks weather forecasts, and ensures his equipment is ready for another day of keeping Charlotte's roofs in top shape.
The Real Satisfaction
As Mike packs up for the day, he reflects on what makes this job rewarding. "Every day is different. Every roof has its own personality and challenges. But the real satisfaction comes from helping people protect their homes and families."
He thinks about Mrs. Henderson's relief when she learned her storm damage was manageable, the excitement of the first-time buyers who got good news about their potential new home, and the satisfaction of helping the Patels document their legitimate insurance claim.
"At the end of the day, we're not just inspecting roofs," Mike concludes. "We're giving people peace of mind. That's worth getting up at 6:30 AM for."
From safety protocols to honest assessments, from cutting-edge technology to old-fashioned customer service, a day in the life of a Best Roofing Now inspector is about much more than just looking at shingles. It's about being a trusted advisor, a problem-solver, and sometimes, the bearer of good news in what homeowners often expect to be bad situations.
If you're curious about the condition of your roof or need a professional assessment, our team of experienced inspectors is ready to provide the same thorough, honest service Mike delivers every day across Charlotte.
